The Brute was tougher than this will be. The 150k Brute route had 12 climbs in the 400-600 ft range. The hills in the Menominee area are in the 200-400 range. More of them potentially but not as big. The Red Cedar river cuts smaller valleys than the Mississippi. Not discounting it though, as Star hill in Menominee is a biggie.

Couple questions about the ride. Is the route map on page two of this thread the final route? Should I make a copy of this for the ride? And since I'll not be doing the long route, I'm wondering how many miles are added by doing the loop north of the short route cutoff on the top part of the map?

It looks like it's going to be a superb day for the ride! This will be my first ever ride of this sort (outside of the Chequamegon Fat 40), and I'm looking forward to it! Thanks to those who are organizing the ride!

Couple questions about the ride. Is the route map on page two of this thread the final route? Should I make a copy of this for the ride? And since I'll not be doing the long route, I'm wondering how many miles are added by doing the loop north of the short route cutoff on the top part of the map?

It looks like it's going to be a superb day for the ride! This will be my first ever ride of this sort (outside of the Chequamegon Fat 40), and I'm looking forward to it! Thanks to those who are organizing the ride!

It is official that I will be in eastern WI installing decking on my son's porch Saturday :-( so you all have a great time and I'm glad you will have perfect weather. Perhaps I will see some of you on the DD in August or the next time for a Mpls C&V ride if Pete and Grady decide to have an encore. Thanks for organizing it guys!

__________________Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride - JFK

It is official that I will be in eastern WI installing decking on my son's porch Saturday :-( so you all have a great time and I'm glad you will have perfect weather. Perhaps I will see some of you on the DD in August or the next time for a Mpls C&V ride if Pete and Grady decide to have an encore. Thanks for organizing it guys!

We'll miss you for sure.

FWIW We could easily do a brewery tour in the Twin Cities in the fall. It would only take us a week or two to hit all of them.

I have about 20 sets of cue sheets that are fresh off the printer. The map included is a little better than the one on the scan.

As for the cut-off on the "out loop" it will drop about 12 miles from the total, and most of the hills. The hill averse might consider taking the cutoff and we'll catch back up with you at the rest stop in Stillwater. That said, nobody need be in any hurry, and I'm sure we'll be hanging around at the last stop (watering hole) long after the last rider is in.

I have about 20 sets of cue sheets that are fresh off the printer. The map included is a little better than the one on the scan.

As for the cut-off on the "out loop" it will drop about 12 miles from the total, and most of the hills. The hill averse might consider taking the cutoff and we'll catch back up with you at the rest stop in Stillwater. That said, nobody need be in any hurry, and I'm sure we'll be hanging around at the last stop (watering hole) long after the last rider is in.

I've ridden both routes in the past week and they are real winners.

You just have to decide on your time budget for the day and go from there.

The inaugural (as far as I know) Twin Cities C&V ride was a 100k (or so) jaunt between White Bear Lake and Stillwater.

Roll off photo.

Some of the Hardware (and ice cream!)

They emerged from the Nason Hill Road climb, Victorious!

Post ride libations along the shore of White Bear Lake. A few riders still to roll in.

I sincerely want to thank all the riders today. I'm learning the ropes of organizing a ride, and took a few notes today: Shorter lunch stop. Fewer hills on the return leg, maybe... Drive side photos. Unfortunately, the ride's P.R. department had car trouble and didn't make the roll off.

The inaugural (as far as I know) Twin Cities C&V ride was a 100k (or so) jaunt between White Bear Lake and Stillwater.

Roll off photo.

A fun ride and good company!

Thanks for putting organizing everything. Everyone was super approachable and nice and the ride itself was very enjoyable. I'm glad the earlier weather forecast didn't come true and we had excellent weather.

That's me on the right with the cyan jersey and the purple Novara Trionfo.

Well, guys . . . I was there at the beach parking lot early - just wanted to make certain I was on time. I drove up from Eagan and had my bike all spiffed up, ready to ride. As I opened the car door to get myself together, it dawned on me that I had not been as thorough as I should have been (yes, I had the bike, water, Garmin, energy bar, etc.) - but I had forgotten to bring my shoes! And there's no way I could have done a ride without my shoes. Plus, I was too late to try to find a bike shop and get some platform pedals. Sooooo . . . I headed out of the parking lot and drove home. I passed a few of you who were getting your bikes ready (might have even waved), and somewhat sheepishly and disappointed, headed south.

And I need to apologize. What I should have done before heading home was to stop and chat with those of you who did the ride - I guess my manners were a bit overshadowed by my disappointment with myself. It would have been nice meeting you, seeing your bikes, thanking those who put the ride together, and sending you off. So I apologize for my lapse of common courtesy. I will try to do better next year! At my age and with my knees, I don't know if I'll ever be able to do the long ride, but I know I can do the short ride get to the bar early to get some good seats for everyone when they arrive.

Thanks for sharing the pics - I appreciate seeing the ride. BTW - I did do a nice ride when I got home and corralled my shoes, so the day wasn't a total loss.